MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE: Book 2 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by [email protected], Gina Henderson Page A

support Broderick had referred to. What the hell is this man about?
    Broderick chuckled. “If you would but give me a moment, I will explain.”
    His breath caught short. MacDougal’s statement almost sounded as if he heard James speak instead of think. Or had he said his thoughts aloud and not realized it? Coincidental, he thought and settled in to listen.
    “Nay, not coincidental at all, young Knightly.” Broderick leveled a piercing gaze, that mischief storming in his eyes. “I would prefer you had some stronger libation at your disposal before I deliver my news, though, so be patient young buck.”
    Not giving James much time to be stunned, Cailin stomped into the room with two chalices in one hand and a lead pitcher in the other. Broderick held up his hand, stopping his daughter in her determined tracks. “Lass, don’t make me reprimand you in front your future husband,” her father’s voice was soft and bordering deadly. “Your sour mood will spoil our best vintage.”
    Her simmering blue eyes, still glassy with unshed tears, wandered to the unoccupied side of the room, a calming breath pushing the delightful curve of her bosom to swell deliciously over her neckline. Irritation seemed to emanate from her pores and James teetered between sympathy and desire. With a forced smile plastered to her full lips, she slammed a cup before James, poured the rich, burgundy liquid to the rim, and set the pitcher and extra chalice before him. There’s the hellion from the alley!
    All the while, she afforded him a generous view of her cleavage and he had to restrain from adjusting his suddenly tightening breeches.
    “Will there be anything else, Master James?” Her husky voice oozed annoyance.
    Broderick chuckled. “Thank you, Cailin.”
    She cast her father another irritated frown from under her brow and sauntered from the room.
    Aye, lass, you can ride my aching— James darted his eyes to a disapproving father.
    Broderick scowled. “Very wise of you to stop that train of thought, lad.”
    James guzzled the smooth wine and poured himself another cup.
    MacDougal laughed.
    “Though I am not sure I want to hear the answer, how is it you know what I am thinking? Do my actions betray me so much?”
    Broderick’s eyes squinted with warning. “Your gaze did not leave her neckline from the moment she walked through the door, so aye…you are very obvious.” He sat before James across the table. “Truly, I am glad you find Cailin attractive. Now that both of you have reached the proper age…” He frowned and sighed. “I personally feel such attraction makes the marriage bed that much sweeter, outside of the other qualities you pointed out when you asked for this union.” He studied the wood grain on the table surface, a pondering expression creasing his brow. “How I know your thoughts, however, has nothing to do with your actions.” Broderick’s eyes locked with James’s. “I adore you as a son, so I impart to you a great secret that will explain many things about this family, about your experiences with us to date.” His brows drew together and his green eyes pierced James with such intensity, he held his breath. “Understand that the safety of my family comes first, so you guard this secret with your life…or I will end it.”
    The unwavering steel in his emerald gaze lent no doubt MacDougal meant what he said and James gulped another mouthful of wine. “Aye, sir, you have my word.”
    “I’m confident I do, James.” Broderick leaned forward. “I am of a race of immortals called Vamsyrians.”
    James raised his brows. “Immortals? Meaning you cannot die?”
    “’Tis more than just long life, but aye, ’tis part of immortality and explains why I haven’t aged since you departed to attend your schooling.”
    He nodded and studied Broderick’s face. And here I thought he had aged well.
    Broderick chortled. “’Tis a benefit, to be sure.”
    “And this explains why you know what I’m thinking? Can